Hayward Minimum Wage (2026)

$17.79 per hour · City ordinance effective 2026-01-01 +$0.89 vs CA state

At a glance

Current rate	$17.79/hour
Effective date	2026-01-01
Full-time annual	$37,003
California state rate	$16.90 (local is higher — local applies)
Small employer rate	$16.90/hour

Hayward's rate for small employers ($16.90) is the same as the state of California's minimum wage.

What is the minimum wage in Hayward?

$17.79 per hour since 2026-01-01. This is higher than the CA state minimum ($16.90), so the local rate applies for work performed in Hayward.

Does the Hayward rate apply to all employers?

Smaller employers may have a lower tier ($16.90/hr). See employer rules above.

Which applies if city and state rates differ?

Employers must pay the highest of federal, state, and local rates for work performed in that jurisdiction.

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